Like Michigan, Minnesota will be a key battleground in November. Although it has not voted Republican since 1972, the recent contests have been quite close.
President: Recent polls have shown Obama with a lead but Bush came very close to winning the state in both 2000 and 2004.
Leans Democratic
Senate: Incumbent Norm Coleman (R) is seeking a second term. For a time it looked to be a 3-way race with former governor Jesse Ventura running as an Independent but he decided not to run.
Democrats had been looking to nominate comedian/activist Al Franken but he will face a primary challenge from millionaire Patricia Faris.
Franken has been trailing Coleman in most polls and the primary race won’t help him out.
Leans Republican
House: Democrats will hold the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th while the GOP is solid in the 2nd and 6th.
In the 3rd District incumbent Jim Ramsted is retiring after 9 terms. Republicans have tapped State Rep Erik Paulsen while Democrats are backing Iraq war veteran Ashwin Madia.
The race will be close but the districts leans to the GOP and Madia may make some first-time-candidate blunders.
Leans Republican